Seven arrested in Madrid and Italy for stealing 150 high-end mobile phones using computer script
Spain's National Police dismantled a criminal network that obtained more than 150 handsets without payment, using data from at least 50 victims, some over 100 years old.
Criminal network obtained high-end mobile phones by exploiting vulnerability in telecommunications platform
Spain's National Police have arrested seven people and investigated another six as alleged members of a criminal organisation that obtained more than 150 high-end telephone handsets without paying for them, according to interior.gob.es. The initial economic loss exceeds 50,000 euros.
The method used combined unlawful access to platforms of a telecommunications company with the use of a computer script—a text file containing a list of instructions—that exploited a previously unknown vulnerability. This vulnerability allowed a device delivery order to be activated by manipulating the source code of the sales application, without any payment being made.
Once the handsets were received, the organisation distributed them to different points across the country and sold them for profit.
Data of elderly people, some over 100 years old, used without consent
For telephone line activations, the opening of bank accounts and other administrative procedures, those under investigation used the personal data of nearly 50 people without their knowledge or authorisation. Among the victims were elderly people, some over 100 years old, who in certain cases had previously had contact with members of the organisation and had placed their trust in them.
Those under investigation took advantage of this to use their documentation and even impersonate them in video identity verification processes.
The leader fled to Italy and was arrested an hour after the European order
Upon learning that he was being sought by the authorities, the alleged leader of the network left Spain. He was located and arrested in Italy just an hour after the corresponding European Arrest and Surrender Order was issued, thanks to collaboration with the Sirene Office and Cybersecurity unit of the Italian State Police.
During searches carried out in Madrid—three properties—and in Italy—one—officers seized approximately 13,000 euros in cash, numerous official documents belonging to third parties and a significant quantity of electronic devices.
The operation concluded with charges of membership of a criminal organisation, illegal computer access and computer fraud against the thirteen people implicated.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)